Bucs' depth chart includes possible bad news for Michael Clayton

Though it’s only a preliminary glimpse, the Bucs released their first depth chart of the preseason today, as required by the NFL entering the first preseason game.

There weren't any huge revelations, unless you count the placement of WR Michael Clayton. He was listed at the No. 4 flanker behind listed starter Maurice Stovall and backups Sammie Strougher and Arrelious Benn.

This depth chart is hardly indicative of where players will stand in the regular season, but there almost seems to be a hidden message when a veteran is buried that deep on a preseason depth chart.

The rest of the depth chart pretty much confirms much of what has been shown thus far in training camp, like the emergence of rookie WR Mike Williams. He is listed as the No. 1 receiver, listed as a split end. Reggie Brown (split end) and Stroughter (flanker) are listed as second-teamers receivers.

LG Jeremy Zuttah remains listed as the starter despite veteran Keydrick Vincent coming on strong and apparently taking the lead. But that’s not unusual as incumbent starters tend to be listed as starters on the initial depth chart.

On defense, the Bucs have wasted no time in confirming that Gerald McCoy will be a starting defensive tackle, and Roy Miller is listed as a starter alongside him. SS Sabby Piscitelli remains listed as a starter, though he is locked in a battle with free agent signee Sean Jones and faces an uphill climb after struggling last season.

Rookie Dekoda Watson is listed as the second-teamer behind Quincy Black at strong-side linebacker, while rookie Myron Lewis is listed as the second-string left cornerback behind Aqib Talib and ahead of E.J. Biggers.

About the blog

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans: Keep up with your team news on Bucs Beat, our blog for all things Bucs. Tampa Bay Times sports writers keep you posted on the latest Bucs news, and you can weigh in with your own thoughts.